Predictions Nations League - Belarus vs Northern Ireland

Nations League - Belarus vs Northern Ireland
Match Time: 13-10-2024 01:45 Sunday (GMT+7)
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Northern Ireland began their latest Nations League campaign by beating Luxembourg 2-0 in Belfast, with early goals from Paddy McNair and Dan Ballard putting them in charge of their opening Group 3 contest.

However, Michael O'Neill's men then lost 1-0 in Bulgaria three days later, ending a positive run featuring four wins - all with clean sheets - and only one defeat, in a pre-Euros friendly against Spain.

Following a disappointing 2023, during which they lost seven of 10 fixtures and subsequently failed to make the Euro 2024 playoffs, there have been signs of progress as O'Neill introduces some fresh faces to his squad.

Northern Ireland's last outing in the Nations League resulted in a meagre tally of five points from six matches, which saw them finish third in their group; however, improving one place this season would earn a promotion playoff, while finishing first gains automatic elevation to League B.

Trailing joint-leaders Bulgaria and Belarus by one point in the table, they could quickly turn that deficit around this month: Saturday's meeting with the latter will be swiftly followed by a game against Bulgaria at Windsor Park.

Having lost three previous encounters with Northern Ireland - most recently during Euro 2020 qualifying - Belarus will be hoping to break new ground on Saturday night.

Like their next opponents, the White Wings failed to qualify for Euro 2024, though they did collect a commendable total of 12 points from 10 group matches, finishing just three points behind the playoff position.

This season, they are aiming to improve on their performance in the last Nations League, during which they failed to win any of six fixtures and finished rock bottom behind Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Slovakia.

Spanish head coach Carlos Alos, who has been in charge of the Belarusian national team since late 2023, oversaw a much more positive start to the 2024-25 edition, as his side picked up four points in September without conceding a goal.

Three days after holding Bulgaria to a 0-0 draw, Belarus saw off Luxembourg by virtue of a second-half strike from substitute Valeri Gromyko, putting them in great shape to secure a cherished top-two placing next month.

Prediction: Belarus 0-0 Northern Ireland